Salisbury Steak Recipe: A Cozy Classic You'll Want on Repeat
Prerp Time : 45 mins | 4 Servings
Ever have one of those days where you just want a good, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug? That’s where this Salisbury steak recipe comes in. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But oh, it hits the spot every time.
Juicy beef patties, simmered in a flavorful onion and mushroom gravy. It’s the kind of old-school dinner that never goes out of style. Even better? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
What Exactly Is Salisbury Steak?
Despite the name, it’s not steak in the traditional sense. Think of it more like a cross between meatloaf and a hamburger, but elevated with a savory gravy that makes you want to lick the plate. Salisbury steak has been around since the 1800s, originally created by Dr. James Salisbury (yep, he named it after himself). Over the years, it’s become a comfort food staple in homes across America.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Total comfort food – warm, rich, and deeply satisfying
- Simple ingredients – nothing fancy or hard to find
- Budget-friendly – uses ground beef and pantry staples
- Family favorite – even picky eaters ask for seconds
Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s everything you need to pull this off:
For the Steak Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Salisbury Steak (Step-by-Step)
Mix the Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands. Just enough to bring it together. Overmixing = tough patties.
Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties. Think “mini meatloaf” but flattened a bit.
Sear the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side, just until browned. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through, they’ll finish in the gravy.
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Gravy
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and golden.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat everything. Let it cook for a minute (this gets rid of that raw flour taste).
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, then add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Simmer Everything Together
Place the patties back in the pan, nestling them into the gravy. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, or until the patties are fully cooked and soaking up all that flavor.
What Goes Well with Salisbury Steak?
This dish practically begs to be served over mashed potatoes. But if you’re switching it up, here are some other great pairings:
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed green beans or peas
- Roasted carrots
- Creamy cauliflower mash (for a lighter option)
- Fluffy white rice
You really can’t go wrong. Just something to catch all that rich, dreamy gravy.
What Goes Well with Salisbury Steak?
This dish practically begs to be served over mashed potatoes. But if you’re switching it up, here are some other great pairings:
You really can’t go wrong. Just something to catch all that rich, dreamy gravy.
Nutrition Facts
*Per Salisbury Steak Patty with Gravy
- Calories~320 kcal
- Protein20 g
- Carbohydrates10 g
- Total Fat22 g
- Saturated Fat9 g
- Sugar3 g
- Fiber1 g
- Sodium580 mg
Tips for Success
- Use beef with a little fat – 80/20 gives the best flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture – it’ll get tough.
- Add garlic or thyme to the gravy for extra depth.
- Skip the mushrooms? No problem. Use just onions or even add bell peppers for a twist.
- Want it low-carb? Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
FAQs
Q1. Is Salisbury steak just a hamburger?
- Not exactly. It’s made with similar ingredients, but Salisbury steak is shaped differently and cooked in gravy. Think of it as a dressed-up cousin of the burger.
Q2. Can I use ground turkey instead?
- Absolutely. It won’t be quite as rich, but with the gravy? Still delicious.
Q3. What if I don’t like mushrooms?
- You can skip them and just make onion gravy. Still cozy, still delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner, this Salisbury steak recipe is calling your name. It’s got all the nostalgic vibes of a diner favorite, but made right in your kitchen. No boxed mixes, just real, simple ingredients.
Give It a Try!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, snap a photo and tag it #TasteSpur on Instagram, or share it with someone who could use a good meal tonight. ❤️
